- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 411,916
- Reaction score
- 43
The Pittsburgh Steelers will leave no stone unturned in their search for the future of their defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft. In what’s shaping up to be one of the best defensive line classes in recent memory, the two most likely DT prospects to be selected with the 21st overall pick are Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen and Michigan DT Kenneth Grant.
However, if neither is available when Pittsburgh is on the clock, Oregon DT Derrick Harmon could make for an excellent fallback at pick 21—if not a potential upgrade in the pass-rush department.
Harmon's size, strength, and overall athleticism have made him a problem and mismatch for opposing offensive linemen attempting to block him. He has one of the best rip moves in the entire defensive tackle class, and it will be interesting to see how he utilizes it at the next level. He has a fantastic first step and never gives up on the play. His NFL-ready size, arm length, high motor, and competitive drive are exactly what any team would want out of a DT prospect.
Despite his great arm length, his hand placement could use some fine-tuning. Another issue for Harmon has been leverage and his tendency to drop his hands, opening up his chest—something NFL-caliber offensive linemen will take advantage of quickly. A big problem for Harmon has been against the run, where he can sometimes leave his gap assignment early. His hand placement against the run has also been an area of concern, as it can get a little too wide.
Harmon would be a pass-rush monster alongside Steelers defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of a DT prospect who can play exceptionally well against the run—a major area of concern for the team. With that in mind, Harmon would make an excellent addition to the Black and Gold defensive line, but likely wouldn’t contribute right away until his play against the run can be trusted at the next level.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DT, Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Continue reading...
However, if neither is available when Pittsburgh is on the clock, Oregon DT Derrick Harmon could make for an excellent fallback at pick 21—if not a potential upgrade in the pass-rush department.
- Name: Derrick Harmon
- College: Oregon
- Height: 6' 4 1/2"
- Weight: 313 lbs
- 40-yard-dash: 4.95 seconds
- 10-yard-split: 1.74 seconds
Stats:
- 2021: 4 games, 1 tackle, 1 TFL
- 2022: 12 games, 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks
- 2023: 12 games, 40 tackles, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks,
- 2024: 14 games, 45 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks
Strengths:
Harmon's size, strength, and overall athleticism have made him a problem and mismatch for opposing offensive linemen attempting to block him. He has one of the best rip moves in the entire defensive tackle class, and it will be interesting to see how he utilizes it at the next level. He has a fantastic first step and never gives up on the play. His NFL-ready size, arm length, high motor, and competitive drive are exactly what any team would want out of a DT prospect.
Weaknesses:
Despite his great arm length, his hand placement could use some fine-tuning. Another issue for Harmon has been leverage and his tendency to drop his hands, opening up his chest—something NFL-caliber offensive linemen will take advantage of quickly. A big problem for Harmon has been against the run, where he can sometimes leave his gap assignment early. His hand placement against the run has also been an area of concern, as it can get a little too wide.
How would he fit on the Steelers’ defense?
Harmon would be a pass-rush monster alongside Steelers defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of a DT prospect who can play exceptionally well against the run—a major area of concern for the team. With that in mind, Harmon would make an excellent addition to the Black and Gold defensive line, but likely wouldn’t contribute right away until his play against the run can be trusted at the next level.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DT, Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Continue reading...
